US6312090B1 - Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer - Google Patents
Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US6312090B1 US6312090B1 US09/221,241 US22124198A US6312090B1 US 6312090 B1 US6312090 B1 US 6312090B1 US 22124198 A US22124198 A US 22124198A US 6312090 B1 US6312090 B1 US 6312090B1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- passageway
- print head
- cleaning
- contaminant
- solvent
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 131
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 78
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 26
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 65
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000012459 cleaning agent Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 5
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 92
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007723 transport mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- MTHSVFCYNBDYFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N diethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCOCCO MTHSVFCYNBDYFN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCO LYCAIKOWRPUZTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isopropanol Chemical compound CC(C)O KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 2
- HFGPZNIAWCZYJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead zirconate titanate Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Ti+4].[Zr+4].[Pb+2] HFGPZNIAWCZYJU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000006679 Mentha X verticillata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002899 Mentha suaveolens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000001636 Mentha x rotundifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910002113 barium titanate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- JRPBQTZRNDNNOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium titanate Chemical compound [Ba+2].[Ba+2].[O-][Ti]([O-])([O-])[O-] JRPBQTZRNDNNOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002585 base Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001680 brushing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007600 charging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940028356 diethylene glycol monobutyl ether Drugs 0.000 description 1
- NKZSPGSOXYXWQA-UHFFFAOYSA-N dioxido(oxo)titanium;lead(2+) Chemical compound [Pb+2].[O-][Ti]([O-])=O NKZSPGSOXYXWQA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007786 electrostatic charging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004519 grease Substances 0.000 description 1
- WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydroxyacetaldehyde Natural products OCC=O WGCNASOHLSPBMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007641 inkjet printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052451 lead zirconate titanate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004530 micro-emulsion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N octane Chemical compound CCCCCCCC TVMXDCGIABBOFY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- JCGNDDUYTRNOFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N oxolane-2,4-dione Chemical compound O=C1COC(=O)C1 JCGNDDUYTRNOFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000241 scar Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011032 tourmaline Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940070527 tourmaline Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910052613 tourmaline Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
- B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
- B41J2/16552—Cleaning of print head nozzles using cleaning fluids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/02—Platens
- B41J11/04—Roller platens
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
- B41J2/16585—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to ink jet printer apparatus and methods and more particularly relates to an ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism, and method of assembling the printer.
- An ink jet printer produces images on a receiver by ejecting ink droplets onto the receiver in an imagewise fashion.
- the advantages of non-impact, low-noise, low energy use, and low cost operation in addition to the capability of the printer to print on plain paper are largely responsible for the wide acceptance of ink jet printers in the marketplace.
- continuous ink jet printers utilize electrostatic charging tunnels placed close to the point where ink droplets are being ejected in the form of a stream. Selected ones of the droplets are electrically charged by the charging tunnels. The charged droplets are deflected downstream by the presence of deflector plates that have a predetermined electric potential difference between them. A gutter may be used to intercept the charged droplets, while the uncharged droplets are free to strike the recording medium.
- a pressurization actuator is used to produce the ink jet droplet.
- either one of two types of actuators may be used.
- These two types of actuators are heat actuators and piezoelectric actuators.
- heat actuators a heater placed at a convenient location heats the ink and a quantity of the ink will phase change into a gaseous steam bubble and raise the internal ink pressure sufficiently for an ink droplet to be expelled to the recording medium.
- piezoelectric actuators a piezoelectric material is used, which piezoelectric material possess piezoelectric properties such that an electric field is produced when a mechanical stress is applied.
- Inks for high speed ink jet printers whether of the “continuous” or “piezoelectric” type, have a number of special characteristics.
- the ink should incorporate a nondrying characteristic, so that drying of ink in the ink ejection chamber is hindered or slowed to such a state that by occasional spitting of ink droplets, the cavities and corresponding orifices are kept open.
- the addition of glycol facilitates free flow of ink through the ink jet chamber.
- inks used in ink jet printers can be said to have the following problems: the inks tend to dry-out in and around the orifices resulting in clogging of the orifices; the wiping of the orifice plate causes wear on plate and wiper and the wiper itself produces particles that clog the orifice; cleaning cycles are time consuming and slow productivity of ink jet printers.
- printing rate declines in large format printing where frequent cleaning cycles interrupt the printing of an image. Printing rate also declines in the case when a special printing pattern is initiated to compensate for plugged or badly performing orifices.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling same, which cleaning mechanism simultaneously cleans a surface of a print head belonging to the printer as the cleaning mechanism cleans ink channels formed in the print head.
- an ink jet printer comprising: a print head having a surface thereon and an ink channel therein; and a cleaning mechanism associated with said print head and adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the surface and the ink channel, said cleaning mechanism including a wiper having a plurality of wicking channels therein alignable with the surface, the wicking channels communicating with a passageway formed in said cleaning mechanism.
- an ink jet printer comprises a print head having a surface thereon surrounding a plurality of ink ejection orifices.
- the orifices are in communication with respective ones of a plurality of ink channels formed in the print head.
- a solvent delivering wiper has a plurality of internal passageways formed therethrough alignable with the surface. The passageways deliver a liquid solvent cleaning agent to the surface to flush contaminant from the surface. In this manner, contaminant residing on the surface is entrained in the solvent while the wiper flushes contaminant from the surface.
- the solvent delivering wiper has a second passageway formed therethrough alignable with the surface. The wiper vacuums solvent and entrained contaminant from the surface.
- wicking channels or groves are provided on the bevel edge of the wiper blade.
- a piping circuit is provided for filtering the particulate matter from the solvent and for recirculating clean solvent to the surface of the print head.
- a translation mechanism is connected to the wiper for translating the wiper across the print head surface.
- the translation mechanism may comprise a lead-screw threadably engaging the wiper.
- a displacement mechanism is connected to the wiper for displacing the wiper to a position proximate the surface of the print head to enable cleaning of the ink channels and the surface of the print head.
- a feature of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning mechanism associated with the print head, which cleaning mechanism is adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the print head surface and ink channels.
- An advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced because the print head surface and ink channels are cleaned simultaneously.
- FIG. 1 is a view in plan of a first embodiment ink jet printer, the printer having a reciprocating print head and a pivotable platen roller disposed adjacent the print head;
- FIG. 2 is a view in plan of the first embodiment of the printer showing the pivotable platen roller pivoting in an arc outwardly from the print head;
- FIG. 3 is a view taken along section line 3 — 3 of FIG. 1, this view showing a cleaning mechanism poised to move to a position adjacent the print head to clean the print head;
- FIG. 4 is a view in partial elevation of the print head and adjacent platen roller
- FIG. 5 is a view in elevation of the first embodiment printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism having been moved into position to clean the print head;
- FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of a first embodiment cleaning wiper blade belonging to the cleaning mechanism, the first embodiment cleaning wiper blade here shown cleaning the print head;
- FIG. 7 is a view in perspective of the cleaning wiper blade with integrated solvent delivery and suction capability
- FIG. 8A is a view in vertical section of the first embodiment cleaning wiper blade while the first embodiment cleaning wiper blade cleans the print head;
- FIG. 8B is a view in vertical section of a second embodiment cleaning wiper blade while the second embodiment cleaning wiper blade cleans the print head;
- FIG. 9 is a view in elevation of a second embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism disposed in an upright position and poised to move to a location adjacent the print head to clean the print head, which print head is capable of being pivoted into an upright position;
- FIG. 10 is a view in elevation of the second embodiment printer, this view showing the cleaning mechanism having been moved into position to clean the print head not pivoted into an upright position;
- FIG. 11 is a view in elevation of a third embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the print head pivoted into an upright position and poised to move to a location adjacent the upright cleaning mechanism to clean the print head;
- FIG. 12 is a view in elevation of the third embodiment printer, this view showing the print head having been moved into position to clean the print head;
- FIG. 13 it a view in elevation of a fourth embodiment ink jet printer, this view showing the print head in a horizontal position and poised to move laterally to a location adjacent the cleaning mechanism to clean the print head;
- FIG. 14 is a view in elevation of the fourth embodiment printer, this view showing the/mint head having been moved into position to clean the print head;
- FIG. 15 is a view in plan of a fifth embodiment ink jet printer, the printer having a non-reciprocating “page-width” print head;
- FIG. 16 is a view taken along section line 16 — 16 of FIG. 15, this view showing the print head in a horizontal position and poised to move laterally to a location adjacent the cleaning mechanism to clean the print head;
- FIG. 17 is a view in elevation of the fifth embodiment printer, this view showing the print head having been moved into position to clean the print head.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a first embodiment ink jet printer, generally referred to as 10 , for printing an image 20 (shown in phantom) on a receiver 30 (also shown in phantom), which may be a reflective-type receiver (e.g., paper) or a transmissive-type receiver (e.g., transparency).
- Receiver 30 is supported on a platen roller 40 capable of being rotated by a platen roller motor 50 engaging platen roller 40 .
- platen roller motor 50 rotates platen roller 40
- receiver 30 will advance in a direction illustrated by a first arrow 55 .
- Platen roller 40 is adapted to pivot outwardly about a pivot shaft 57 along an arc 59 for reasons disclosed hereinbelow. Many designs for feeding paper for printing are possible.
- Another mechanism utilizes a first set of feed rollers to dispose receiver onto a plate for printing. A second set of feed rollers remove the receiver when printing is completed.
- printer 10 also comprises a reciprocating print head 60 disposed adjacent to platen roller 40 .
- Print head 60 includes a plurality of ink channels 70 formed therein (only six of which are shown), each channel 70 terminating in a channel outlet 75 .
- each channel 70 which is adapted to hold an ink body 77 therein, is defined by a pair of oppositely disposed parallel side walls 79 a and 79 b .
- Print head 60 may further include a cover plate 80 having a plurality of orifices 90 formed therethrough colinearly aligned with respective ones of channel outlets 75 , such that each orifice 90 faces receiver 30 .
- print head 60 may be a “piezoelectric ink jet” print head formed of a piezoelectric material, such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT).
- PZT lead zirconium titanate
- Such a piezoelectric material is mechanically responsive to electrical stimuli so that side walls 79 a/b simultaneously inwardly deform when electrically stimulated.
- volume of channel 70 decreases to squeeze ink droplet 100 from channel 70 and through orifice 90 .
- a transport mechanism is connected to print head 60 for reciprocating print head 60 between a first position 115 a thereof and a second position 115 b (shown in phantom).
- transport mechanism 110 reciprocates print head 60 in direction of a second arrow 117 .
- Print head 60 slidably engages an elongate guide rail 120 , which guides print head 60 parallel to platen roller 40 while print head 60 is reciprocated.
- Transport mechanism 110 also comprises a drive belt 130 attached to print head 60 for reciprocating print head 60 between first position 115 a and second position 115 b , as described presently.
- a reversible drive belt motor 140 engages belt 130 , such that belt 130 reciprocates in order that print head 60 reciprocates with respect to platen 40 .
- an encoder strip 150 coupled to print head 60 monitors position of print head 60 as print head 60 reciprocates between first position 115 a and second position 115 b .
- a controller 160 is connected to platen roller motor 50 , drive belt motor 140 , encoder strip 150 and print head 60 for controlling operation thereof to suitably form image 20 on receiver 30 .
- a controller may be a Model CompuMotor controller available from Parker Hannifin, Incorporated located in Rohnert Park, Calif.
- surface 95 may have contaminant thereon, such as particulate matter 165 .
- particulate matter 165 also may partially or completely obstruct orifice 90 .
- Particulate matter 165 may be, for example, particles of dirt, dust, metal and/or encrustations of dried ink.
- the contaminant may also be an unwanted film (e.g., grease, oxide, or the like).
- an unwanted film e.g., grease, oxide, or the like.
- flight of ink droplet 105 may be diverted from preferred axis 105 to travel along a non-preferred axis 167 (as shown). If ink droplet 100 travels along non-preferred axis 167 , ink droplet 100 will land on receiver 30 in an unintended location. In this manner, such complete or partial obstruction of orifice 90 leads to printing artifacts such as “banding” a highly undesirable result. Also, presence of particulate matter 165 on surface 95 may alter surface wetting and inhibit proper formation of droplet 100 . Therefore, it is desirable to clean (i.e., remove) particulate matter 165 to avoid printing artifacts and improper formation of droplet 100 .
- first embodiment cleaning mechanism 170 includes a solvent delivering wiper 210 .
- Wiper 210 has a first set of multiple internal passageways 220 formed therethrough.
- Solvent delivering wiper 210 is oriented with respect to surface 95 such that first passageways 220 are alignable with surface 95 for reasons disclosed presently.
- first passageways 220 are alignable with surface 95 for delivering a liquid solvent cleaning agent to surface 95 in order to flush particulate matter 165 from surface 95 (as shown).
- particulate matter 165 will be entrained in the solvent as the solvent flushes particulate matter 165 from surface 95 .
- Wiper 210 may also include a blade portion 225 integrally formed therewith for lifting contaminant 165 from surface 95 as cleaning wiper blade 210 traverses surface 95 in direction of a third arrow 227 . It may be understood wicking channels 230 and a second set of multiple internal passageways 240 in combination with vacuum pump 290 co-act to remove solvent and particulate matter 165 which may have been left by blade portion 225 as blade portion 225 traverses surface 95 (as shown).
- wicking channels 230 will be aligned with orifices 90 so that solvent and contaminant 165 residing in and around orifices 90 will be vacuumed into internal passageways 240 due to suction created by vacuum pump 290 .
- FIG. 8A shows the cleaning wiper blade 210 in a scraping mode defined as having an angle ⁇ less than 90 degrees.
- FIG. 8B shows the cleaning wiper blade 210 in a wiping mode defined as having an angle ⁇ greater than 90 degrees.
- piping circuit 250 includes a first piping segment 260 coupled to first passageway 220 formed through wiper 210 .
- a discharge pump 270 is connected to first piping segment 260 for discharging the solvent into first piping segment 260 .
- the solvent discharges into first set of passageways 220 formed within the wiper 210 and onto surface 95 while discharge pump 270 discharges the solvent into first piping segment 260 .
- the solvent discharged onto surface 95 is chosen such that the solvent also, at least in part, acts as lubricant to lubricate surface 95 .
- a second piping segment 280 is coupled to a second set of passageways 240 formed within the wiper 210 .
- a vacuum pump 290 is connected to second piping segment 280 for inducing negative pressure (i.e., pressure less than atmospheric pressure) in second piping segment 280 .
- negative pressure is induced in second set of passageways 240 and in second piping segment 280 .
- the solvent and entrained particulate matter 165 are vacuumed from surface 95 to enter second set of passageways 240 .
- first piping segment 260 interposed between first piping segment 260 and second piping segment 280 is a solvent supply reservoir 300 having a supply of the solvent therein.
- Discharge pump 270 which is connected to first piping segment 260 , draws the solvent from reservoir 300 and discharges the solvent into first passageways 220 by means of first piping circuit 260 .
- first piping circuit 260 extends from wiper 210 to reservoir 300 .
- vacuum pump 290 which is connected to second piping segment 280 , pumps the solvent and particulate matter 165 from print head surface 95 toward reservoir 300 .
- circuit 250 defines a recirculation loop for recirculating contaminant-free solvent across surface 95 to efficiently clean surface 95 .
- first segment 260 connected to first segment 260 is a first valve 314 , which first valve 314 is interposed between wiper 210 and discharge pump 270 .
- first valve 314 and second valve 316 are interposed between reservoir 300 and vacuum pump 290 .
- first valve 314 and second valve 316 allow cleaning mechanism 170 to be easily taken out-of service for maintenance.
- discharge pump 270 is shut-off and first valve 314 is closed.
- Vacuum pump 290 is operated until solvent and particulate matter are substantially evacuated from second piping segment 280 .
- second valve 316 is closed and vacuum pump 290 is shut-off.
- saturated filter 310 is replaced with a clean filter 310 .
- cleaning mechanism 170 is returned to service substantially in reverse to steps used to take cleaning mechanism 170 out-of service.
- a translation mechanism is connected to cleaning wiper blade 210 for translating cleaning wiper blade 210 across surface 95 of print head 60 .
- translation mechanism 320 comprises an elongate externally threaded lead-screw 330 threadably engaging cleaning wiper blade 210 .
- Engaging lead-screw 330 is a motor 340 capable of rotating lead-screw 330 , so that cleaning wiper blade 210 traverses surface 95 as lead-screw 330 rotates.
- cleaning wiper blade 210 traverses surface 95 in direction of a fourth arrow 345 .
- cleaning wiper blade 210 is capable of being translated to any location on lead-screw 330 , which preferably extends the length of guide rail 120 . Being able to translate cleaning wiper blade 210 to any location on lead-screw 330 allows cleaning wiper blade 210 to clean print head 60 wherever print head 60 is located on guide rail 120 .
- a displacement mechanism 350 for displacing cleaning wiper blade 210 to a position proximate surface 95 of print head 60 .
- platen roller 40 is disposed adjacent to print head 60 and, unless appropriate steps are taken, will interfere with displacing cleaning wiper blade 210 to a position proximate surface 95 . Therefore, it is desirable to move platen roller 40 out of interference with cleaning wiper blade 210 , so that cleaning wiper blade 210 can be displaced proximate surface 95 . Therefore, according to the first embodiment of printer 10 , platen roller 40 is pivoted outwardly about previously mentioned pivot shaft 57 along arc 59 . After platen roller 40 has been pivoted, displacement mechanism 350 is operated to displace cleaning wiper blade 210 to a position proximate surface 95 to begin removal of particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95 .
- Second embodiment ink jet printer 360 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10 , except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting). Also, according to this second embodiment printer, print head 60 pivots about a pivot pin 370 to an upright position (as shown). Moreover, cleaning mechanism 170 is oriented in an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism 350 displaces cleaning wiper blade 210 , so that cleaning wiper blade is moved to a location proximate surface 95 .
- Third embodiment ink jet printer 400 capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95 .
- Third embodiment ink jet printer 400 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10 , except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting).
- print head 60 pivots about pivot pin 370 to an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 400 (except for platen roller 40 ), so that printer 400 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170 .
- cleaning mechanism 170 is oriented in a fixed upright position (as shown).
- FIGS. 13 and 14 there is shown a fourth embodiment ink jet printer 410 capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95 .
- Fourth embodiment ink jet printer 410 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10 , except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting) and cleaning assembly 170 is off-set from an end portion of platen roller 40 by a distance “X”. Also, according to this third embodiment printer, displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 410 (except for platen roller 40 ), so that printer 410 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170 .
- Second printer 400 is a so-called “page-width” printer capable of printing across width W of receiver 30 without reciprocating across width W. That is, printer 420 comprises print head 60 of length substantially equal to width W. Connected to print head 60 is a carriage 430 adapted to carry print head 60 in direction of first arrow 55 . In this regard, carriage 430 slidably engages an elongate slide member 440 extending parallel to receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55 .
- a print head drive motor 450 is connected to carriage 430 for operating carriage 430 , so that carriage 430 slides along slide member 440 in direction of first arrow 55 .
- print head 60 also travels in direction of first arrow 55 because print head 60 is connected to carriage 430 .
- print head 60 is capable of printing a plurality of images 20 (as shown) in a single printing pass along length of receiver 30 .
- a first feed roller 460 engages receiver 30 for feeding receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55 after all images 20 have been printed.
- a first feed roller motor 470 engages first feed roller 460 for rotating first feed roller 460 , so that receiver 30 feeds in direction of first arrow 55 .
- a second feed roller 480 spaced-apart from first feed roller 460 , may also engage receiver 30 for feeding receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55 .
- a second feed roller motor 490 synchronized with first feed roller motor 470 , engages second feed roller 480 for rotating second feed roller 480 , so that receiver smoothly feeds in direction of first arrow 55 .
- first feed roller 460 and second feed roller 480 Interposed between first feed roller 460 and second feed roller 480 is a support member, such as a stationary flat platen 500 , for supporting receiver 30 thereon as receiver feeds from first feed roller 460 to second feed roller 480 .
- controller 160 is connected to print head 60 , print head drive motor 450 , first feed roller motor 470 and second feed roller motor 490 for controlling operation thereof in order to suitably form images 20 on receiver 30 .
- displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 410 (except for feed rollers 460 / 480 and platen 500 ), so that printer 410 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170 .
- the solvent cleaning agent mentioned hereinabove may be any suitable liquid solvent composition, such as water, isopropanol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, octane, acids and bases, surfactant solutions and any combination thereof.
- suitable liquid solvent compositions such as water, isopropanol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, octane, acids and bases, surfactant solutions and any combination thereof.
- Complex liquid compositions may also be used, such as microemulsions, micellar surfactant solutions, vesicles and solid particles dispersed in the liquid.
- an advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced. This is so because surface 95 of print head 60 is cleaned of contaminant simultaneously with cleaning ink channels 70 formed in the print head 60 .
- displacement mechanism 350 may be foldable to the upright position from a substantially horizontal position. This configuration of the invention will minimize the external envelope of printer 360 when print head 60 is not being cleaned by cleaning mechanism 170 , so that printer 360 can be located in a confined space with limited headroom.
- an ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer, which cleaning mechanism is capable of simultaneously cleaning the print head surface and ink channels.
Landscapes
- Ink Jet (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/221,241 US6312090B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 1998-12-28 | Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer |
DE69929850T DE69929850T2 (de) | 1998-12-28 | 1999-12-08 | Tintenstrahldrucker mit einem messerartigen Reinigungsmechanismus und Verfahren zum Montieren des Druckers |
EP99204199A EP1016528B1 (fr) | 1998-12-28 | 1999-12-08 | Imprimante à jet d'encre avec mécanisme de nettoyage à balai d'essuyage et procédé d'assemblage de l'imprimante |
JP11373737A JP2000198214A (ja) | 1998-12-28 | 1999-12-28 | 洗浄機構付きインクジェットプリンタ及びその組立て方法 |
US09/736,089 US6511151B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 2000-12-13 | Ink jet printer and cleaning blade and method of cleaning |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/221,241 US6312090B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 1998-12-28 | Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/736,089 Division US6511151B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 2000-12-13 | Ink jet printer and cleaning blade and method of cleaning |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US6312090B1 true US6312090B1 (en) | 2001-11-06 |
Family
ID=22826990
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/221,241 Expired - Lifetime US6312090B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 1998-12-28 | Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer |
US09/736,089 Expired - Fee Related US6511151B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 2000-12-13 | Ink jet printer and cleaning blade and method of cleaning |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/736,089 Expired - Fee Related US6511151B1 (en) | 1998-12-28 | 2000-12-13 | Ink jet printer and cleaning blade and method of cleaning |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US6312090B1 (fr) |
EP (1) | EP1016528B1 (fr) |
JP (1) | JP2000198214A (fr) |
DE (1) | DE69929850T2 (fr) |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6511151B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2003-01-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printer and cleaning blade and method of cleaning |
US20050035991A1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-02-17 | Fredrickson Daniel John | Inkjet printer cleaning system and method |
US20050072447A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2005-04-07 | Olivier Aude | Material jet spray head cleaning |
US20070275176A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-11-29 | Lg.Philips Lcd Co., Ltd. | Apparatus and method for coating polyimide layer |
US7686995B2 (en) | 1996-12-20 | 2010-03-30 | Z Corporation | Three-dimensional printer |
US20100091065A1 (en) * | 2008-10-15 | 2010-04-15 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company Lp | Translatable web support |
US7828022B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2010-11-09 | Z Corporation | Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer |
US20120186606A1 (en) * | 2011-01-20 | 2012-07-26 | Barss Steven H | Cleaning of Nozzle Plate |
US10603917B2 (en) | 2017-08-31 | 2020-03-31 | Entrust Datacard Corporation | Drop-on-demand print head cleaning mechanism and method |
CN111674158A (zh) * | 2019-03-11 | 2020-09-18 | 三星显示有限公司 | 喷墨头清洁装置、喷墨头清洁方法及基板处理方法 |
KR20210071978A (ko) * | 2018-09-04 | 2021-06-16 | 프로토타입 앤드 프로덕션 시스템스, 인코포레이티드 | 프린트 모듈을 위한 이동식 프린트헤드 클리너 |
US11072169B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-07-27 | Entrust Corporation | Card processing system with drop-on-demand print head automated maintenance routines |
US11119437B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2021-09-14 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Determining cleaning fluid thickness |
US11135775B2 (en) | 2017-01-31 | 2021-10-05 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Printhead cleaning system |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6250736B1 (en) * | 1999-08-04 | 2001-06-26 | Eastman Kodak Company | Continuous ink jet print head with fixed position ink gutter compatible with hydrodynamic and wipe cleaning |
US6280014B1 (en) * | 1999-12-14 | 2001-08-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | Cleaning mechanism for inkjet print head with fixed gutter |
GB0113094D0 (en) | 2001-05-30 | 2001-07-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Co | Inkjet maintenance unit |
US7150512B2 (en) * | 2004-03-17 | 2006-12-19 | Videojet Technologies Inc. | Cleaning system for a continuous ink jet printer |
US7128410B2 (en) * | 2004-03-17 | 2006-10-31 | Videojet Technologies Inc. | Ink jet print head cleaning system |
US7118189B2 (en) * | 2004-05-28 | 2006-10-10 | Videojet Technologies Inc. | Autopurge printing system |
WO2012054951A1 (fr) * | 2010-10-25 | 2012-05-03 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Système d'entretien de tête d'impression |
EP2801480B1 (fr) * | 2013-09-25 | 2016-04-13 | Tonejet Limited | Bouchon de nettoyage de tête d'impression |
DE102016110322A1 (de) * | 2016-06-03 | 2017-12-07 | Khs Gmbh | Reinigungskopf sowie Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Reinigung von Druckköpfen |
CN112642814B (zh) * | 2020-12-21 | 2022-12-06 | 金华俊翔装饰材料有限公司 | 一种废弃油墨重复利用装置 |
Citations (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3373437A (en) | 1964-03-25 | 1968-03-12 | Richard G. Sweet | Fluid droplet recorder with a plurality of jets |
US3416153A (en) | 1965-10-08 | 1968-12-10 | Hertz | Ink jet recorder |
US3705043A (en) | 1970-12-07 | 1972-12-05 | Dick Co Ab | Infrared absorptive jet printing ink composition |
US3776642A (en) | 1972-08-01 | 1973-12-04 | Dickey John Corp | Grain analysis computer |
US3846141A (en) | 1970-12-07 | 1974-11-05 | Dick Co Ab | Jet printing ink composition |
US3870528A (en) | 1973-12-17 | 1975-03-11 | Ibm | Infrared and visible dual dye jet printer ink |
US3878519A (en) | 1974-01-31 | 1975-04-15 | Ibm | Method and apparatus for synchronizing droplet formation in a liquid stream |
US3889269A (en) | 1972-12-01 | 1975-06-10 | Agfa Gevaert Ag | Aqueous ink for use in the ink jet process |
US3903034A (en) | 1970-12-07 | 1975-09-02 | Dick Co Ab | Offset jet printing ink |
US4346387A (en) | 1979-12-07 | 1982-08-24 | Hertz Carl H | Method and apparatus for controlling the electric charge on droplets and ink-jet recorder incorporating the same |
US4591870A (en) | 1985-04-12 | 1986-05-27 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printing apparatus and method with condensate-washing for print head |
US4600928A (en) | 1985-04-12 | 1986-07-15 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printing apparatus having ultrasonic print head cleaning system |
US4849769A (en) | 1987-06-02 | 1989-07-18 | Burlington Industries, Inc. | System for ultrasonic cleaning of ink jet orifices |
US4951066A (en) | 1987-10-30 | 1990-08-21 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus having a discharge orifice surface and a blade and rubbing member for cleaning the surface independently of each other |
US4959673A (en) | 1987-12-29 | 1990-09-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus |
US4970535A (en) | 1988-09-26 | 1990-11-13 | Tektronix, Inc. | Ink jet print head face cleaner |
US5115250A (en) | 1990-01-12 | 1992-05-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wiper for ink-jet printhead |
US5148746A (en) | 1988-08-19 | 1992-09-22 | Presstek, Inc. | Print-head and plate-cleaning assembly |
US5151715A (en) | 1991-07-30 | 1992-09-29 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printhead wiper for ink-jet printers |
US5202702A (en) | 1985-04-08 | 1993-04-13 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus and a method of cleaning a recording head used in the apparatus |
US5305015A (en) | 1990-08-16 | 1994-04-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Laser ablated nozzle member for inkjet printhead |
US5350616A (en) | 1993-06-16 | 1994-09-27 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Composite orifice plate for ink jet printer and method for the manufacture thereof |
US5396271A (en) | 1992-11-12 | 1995-03-07 | Xerox Corporation | Wiper blade cleaning system for non-coplanar nozzle faces of ink jet printheads |
US5412411A (en) * | 1993-11-26 | 1995-05-02 | Xerox Corporation | Capping station for an ink-jet printer with immersion of printhead in ink |
US5426458A (en) | 1993-08-09 | 1995-06-20 | Hewlett-Packard Corporation | Poly-p-xylylene films as an orifice plate coating |
US5431722A (en) | 1992-12-01 | 1995-07-11 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Ink for inkjet printing |
US5489927A (en) | 1993-08-30 | 1996-02-06 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wiper for ink jet printers |
US5500660A (en) | 1993-06-24 | 1996-03-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wiper for inkjet printhead nozzle member |
US5539435A (en) | 1992-10-22 | 1996-07-23 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording blade with rounded tip |
US5555461A (en) | 1994-01-03 | 1996-09-10 | Xerox Corporation | Self cleaning wiper blade for cleaning nozzle faces of ink jet printheads |
US5574485A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1996-11-12 | Xerox Corporation | Ultrasonic liquid wiper for ink jet printhead maintenance |
US5583548A (en) | 1995-03-01 | 1996-12-10 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Bi-directional wiper for ink jet printhead and method of operation |
US5612722A (en) | 1993-10-26 | 1997-03-18 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Ink jet printhead wiper having side surfaces intersecting a top surface at acute angles to form wiping edges and a slat centered in a bottom surface |
US5614930A (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1997-03-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Orthogonal rotary wiping system for inkjet printheads |
US5683187A (en) * | 1996-06-18 | 1997-11-04 | Scitex Digital Printing, Inc. | Digital color press platen assembly with pivoting platen frame |
US5706038A (en) | 1994-10-28 | 1998-01-06 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wet wiping system for inkjet printheads |
US5717445A (en) | 1994-06-24 | 1998-02-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Improved recovery mechanism and ink jet apparatus provided with such mechanism |
US5725647A (en) | 1996-11-27 | 1998-03-10 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Pigmented inks and humectants used therewith |
US5738716A (en) | 1996-08-20 | 1998-04-14 | Eastman Kodak Company | Color pigmented ink jet ink set |
US5745133A (en) | 1995-10-31 | 1998-04-28 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Dual pivoting wiper system for inkjet printheads |
US5774140A (en) | 1995-10-31 | 1998-06-30 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Skip stroke wiping system for inkjet printheads |
US6000792A (en) * | 1992-09-02 | 1999-12-14 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet apparatus provided with an improved recovery mechanism |
US6164751A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-12-26 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printer with wiper blade and vacuum canopy cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4340897A (en) * | 1981-07-29 | 1982-07-20 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Cleaning device for writing heads used in ink jet recorders and printers |
US4746938A (en) * | 1985-07-11 | 1988-05-24 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. | Ink jet recording apparatus with head washing device |
JP2962964B2 (ja) * | 1992-06-26 | 1999-10-12 | キヤノン株式会社 | 液体吐出装置及びそれを用いたプリント方法 |
JPH06340081A (ja) * | 1993-04-19 | 1994-12-13 | Xerox Corp | 全幅インクジェットプリンタ用プリントヘッドメンテナンス装置 |
JPH06320744A (ja) * | 1993-04-19 | 1994-11-22 | Xerox Corp | 全巾インクジェットプリンタ用の湿式拭い保守装置 |
US5627571A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1997-05-06 | Xerox Corporation | Drop sensing and recovery system for an ink jet printer |
US6312090B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2001-11-06 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer |
-
1998
- 1998-12-28 US US09/221,241 patent/US6312090B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-12-08 EP EP99204199A patent/EP1016528B1/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-08 DE DE69929850T patent/DE69929850T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-12-28 JP JP11373737A patent/JP2000198214A/ja active Pending
-
2000
- 2000-12-13 US US09/736,089 patent/US6511151B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3373437A (en) | 1964-03-25 | 1968-03-12 | Richard G. Sweet | Fluid droplet recorder with a plurality of jets |
US3416153A (en) | 1965-10-08 | 1968-12-10 | Hertz | Ink jet recorder |
US3903034A (en) | 1970-12-07 | 1975-09-02 | Dick Co Ab | Offset jet printing ink |
US3846141A (en) | 1970-12-07 | 1974-11-05 | Dick Co Ab | Jet printing ink composition |
US3705043A (en) | 1970-12-07 | 1972-12-05 | Dick Co Ab | Infrared absorptive jet printing ink composition |
US3776642A (en) | 1972-08-01 | 1973-12-04 | Dickey John Corp | Grain analysis computer |
US3889269A (en) | 1972-12-01 | 1975-06-10 | Agfa Gevaert Ag | Aqueous ink for use in the ink jet process |
US3870528A (en) | 1973-12-17 | 1975-03-11 | Ibm | Infrared and visible dual dye jet printer ink |
US3878519A (en) | 1974-01-31 | 1975-04-15 | Ibm | Method and apparatus for synchronizing droplet formation in a liquid stream |
US4346387A (en) | 1979-12-07 | 1982-08-24 | Hertz Carl H | Method and apparatus for controlling the electric charge on droplets and ink-jet recorder incorporating the same |
US5202702A (en) | 1985-04-08 | 1993-04-13 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus and a method of cleaning a recording head used in the apparatus |
US4600928A (en) | 1985-04-12 | 1986-07-15 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printing apparatus having ultrasonic print head cleaning system |
US4591870A (en) | 1985-04-12 | 1986-05-27 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printing apparatus and method with condensate-washing for print head |
US4849769A (en) | 1987-06-02 | 1989-07-18 | Burlington Industries, Inc. | System for ultrasonic cleaning of ink jet orifices |
US4951066A (en) | 1987-10-30 | 1990-08-21 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus having a discharge orifice surface and a blade and rubbing member for cleaning the surface independently of each other |
US4959673A (en) | 1987-12-29 | 1990-09-25 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus |
US5148746A (en) | 1988-08-19 | 1992-09-22 | Presstek, Inc. | Print-head and plate-cleaning assembly |
US4970535A (en) | 1988-09-26 | 1990-11-13 | Tektronix, Inc. | Ink jet print head face cleaner |
US5115250A (en) | 1990-01-12 | 1992-05-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wiper for ink-jet printhead |
US5305015A (en) | 1990-08-16 | 1994-04-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Laser ablated nozzle member for inkjet printhead |
US5151715A (en) | 1991-07-30 | 1992-09-29 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Printhead wiper for ink-jet printers |
US6000792A (en) * | 1992-09-02 | 1999-12-14 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet apparatus provided with an improved recovery mechanism |
US5539435A (en) | 1992-10-22 | 1996-07-23 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording blade with rounded tip |
US5396271A (en) | 1992-11-12 | 1995-03-07 | Xerox Corporation | Wiper blade cleaning system for non-coplanar nozzle faces of ink jet printheads |
US5431722A (en) | 1992-12-01 | 1995-07-11 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Ink for inkjet printing |
US5350616A (en) | 1993-06-16 | 1994-09-27 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Composite orifice plate for ink jet printer and method for the manufacture thereof |
US5500660A (en) | 1993-06-24 | 1996-03-19 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wiper for inkjet printhead nozzle member |
US5426458A (en) | 1993-08-09 | 1995-06-20 | Hewlett-Packard Corporation | Poly-p-xylylene films as an orifice plate coating |
US5489927A (en) | 1993-08-30 | 1996-02-06 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wiper for ink jet printers |
US5612722A (en) | 1993-10-26 | 1997-03-18 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Ink jet printhead wiper having side surfaces intersecting a top surface at acute angles to form wiping edges and a slat centered in a bottom surface |
US5412411A (en) * | 1993-11-26 | 1995-05-02 | Xerox Corporation | Capping station for an ink-jet printer with immersion of printhead in ink |
US5555461A (en) | 1994-01-03 | 1996-09-10 | Xerox Corporation | Self cleaning wiper blade for cleaning nozzle faces of ink jet printheads |
US5614930A (en) | 1994-03-25 | 1997-03-25 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Orthogonal rotary wiping system for inkjet printheads |
US5717445A (en) | 1994-06-24 | 1998-02-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Improved recovery mechanism and ink jet apparatus provided with such mechanism |
US5574485A (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 1996-11-12 | Xerox Corporation | Ultrasonic liquid wiper for ink jet printhead maintenance |
US5706038A (en) | 1994-10-28 | 1998-01-06 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Wet wiping system for inkjet printheads |
US5583548A (en) | 1995-03-01 | 1996-12-10 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Bi-directional wiper for ink jet printhead and method of operation |
US5745133A (en) | 1995-10-31 | 1998-04-28 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Dual pivoting wiper system for inkjet printheads |
US5774140A (en) | 1995-10-31 | 1998-06-30 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Skip stroke wiping system for inkjet printheads |
US5683187A (en) * | 1996-06-18 | 1997-11-04 | Scitex Digital Printing, Inc. | Digital color press platen assembly with pivoting platen frame |
US5738716A (en) | 1996-08-20 | 1998-04-14 | Eastman Kodak Company | Color pigmented ink jet ink set |
US5725647A (en) | 1996-11-27 | 1998-03-10 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Pigmented inks and humectants used therewith |
US6164751A (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2000-12-26 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printer with wiper blade and vacuum canopy cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer |
Cited By (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8017055B2 (en) | 1996-12-20 | 2011-09-13 | Z Corporation | Three-dimensional printer |
US7686995B2 (en) | 1996-12-20 | 2010-03-30 | Z Corporation | Three-dimensional printer |
US6511151B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2003-01-28 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink jet printer and cleaning blade and method of cleaning |
US7993466B2 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2011-08-09 | Gemalto Sa | Material jet spray head cleaning |
US20050072447A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2005-04-07 | Olivier Aude | Material jet spray head cleaning |
US20050035991A1 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2005-02-17 | Fredrickson Daniel John | Inkjet printer cleaning system and method |
US7673580B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2010-03-09 | Lg Display Co., Ltd. | Apparatus and method for coating polyimide layer |
US20100119723A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2010-05-13 | Lg Display Co., Ltd. | Apparatus and method for coating polyimide layer |
US20070275176A1 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2007-11-29 | Lg.Philips Lcd Co., Ltd. | Apparatus and method for coating polyimide layer |
US8354142B2 (en) * | 2006-03-29 | 2013-01-15 | Lg Display Co., Ltd. | Method for coating polyimide layer using inkjet device |
US7828022B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2010-11-09 | Z Corporation | Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer |
US7971991B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2011-07-05 | Z Corporation | Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer |
US7979152B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2011-07-12 | Z Corporation | Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer |
US8185229B2 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2012-05-22 | 3D Systems, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for handling materials in a 3-D printer |
US20100091065A1 (en) * | 2008-10-15 | 2010-04-15 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company Lp | Translatable web support |
US9278534B2 (en) | 2008-10-15 | 2016-03-08 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Translatable web support |
US20120186606A1 (en) * | 2011-01-20 | 2012-07-26 | Barss Steven H | Cleaning of Nozzle Plate |
US11135775B2 (en) | 2017-01-31 | 2021-10-05 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Printhead cleaning system |
US10603917B2 (en) | 2017-08-31 | 2020-03-31 | Entrust Datacard Corporation | Drop-on-demand print head cleaning mechanism and method |
US11077665B2 (en) | 2017-08-31 | 2021-08-03 | Entrust Corporation | Drop-on-demand print head cleaning mechanism and method |
US11072169B2 (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2021-07-27 | Entrust Corporation | Card processing system with drop-on-demand print head automated maintenance routines |
US11119437B2 (en) | 2018-08-07 | 2021-09-14 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Determining cleaning fluid thickness |
KR20210071978A (ko) * | 2018-09-04 | 2021-06-16 | 프로토타입 앤드 프로덕션 시스템스, 인코포레이티드 | 프린트 모듈을 위한 이동식 프린트헤드 클리너 |
US11679587B2 (en) | 2018-09-04 | 2023-06-20 | Prototype And Production Systems, Inc. | Compliant printhead locating apparatus for a print module |
US11691419B2 (en) | 2018-09-04 | 2023-07-04 | Prototype And Production Systems, Inc. | Printing apparatus with modular printhead system |
US11738559B2 (en) | 2018-09-04 | 2023-08-29 | Prototype And Production Systems, Inc. | Printhead assembly guidance and positioning system |
US11840083B2 (en) | 2018-09-04 | 2023-12-12 | Prototype And Production Systems, Inc. | Print module capping station |
US11919307B2 (en) | 2018-09-04 | 2024-03-05 | Prototype And Production Systems, Inc. | Mobile printhead cleaner for print module |
CN111674158A (zh) * | 2019-03-11 | 2020-09-18 | 三星显示有限公司 | 喷墨头清洁装置、喷墨头清洁方法及基板处理方法 |
CN111674158B (zh) * | 2019-03-11 | 2023-12-12 | 三星显示有限公司 | 喷墨头清洁装置、喷墨头清洁方法及基板处理方法 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69929850D1 (de) | 2006-04-20 |
DE69929850T2 (de) | 2006-11-02 |
JP2000198214A (ja) | 2000-07-18 |
US6511151B1 (en) | 2003-01-28 |
EP1016528A1 (fr) | 2000-07-05 |
EP1016528B1 (fr) | 2006-02-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6347858B1 (en) | Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism and method of assembling same | |
US6164751A (en) | Ink jet printer with wiper blade and vacuum canopy cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer | |
US6312090B1 (en) | Ink jet printer with wiper blade cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer | |
US6241337B1 (en) | Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer and method of assembling the printer | |
JP4570239B2 (ja) | 自己洗浄式インクジェットプリンタ | |
US6151044A (en) | Hide-away wiper cleaner for inkjet printheads | |
EP1060894B1 (fr) | Nettoyage à plusieurs fluides pour têtes d'impression à jet d'encre | |
EP1005997B1 (fr) | Imprimante à jet d'encre auto-nettoyante à écoulement inverse et procédé d'assemblage de l'imprimante | |
US6183058B1 (en) | Self-cleaning ink jet printer system with reverse fluid flow and method of assembling the printer system | |
US6523930B2 (en) | Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism using laminated polyimide structure and method cleaning an ink jet printer | |
EP1170130B1 (fr) | Ensemble pour nettoyer une tête d'impression à jet d'encre dans un système d'impression à jet d'encre auto-nettoyant | |
US6585348B2 (en) | Inkjet printer cartridge adapted for enhanced cleaning thereof and method of assembling the printer cartridge | |
US6367905B1 (en) | Print head cleaning assembly with roller and method for an ink jet print head with fixed gutter | |
US6554391B1 (en) | Rotating disk cleaning assembly apparatus and method for an ink jet print head with fixed gutter | |
EP0913262A1 (fr) | Système de nettoyage avec balais d'essuyage larges et étroits pour têtes d'impression par jet d'encre |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GRIFFIN, TODD R.;FAISST, CHARLES F., JR.;SHARMA, RAVI;REEL/FRAME:009677/0350 Effective date: 19981222 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., AS AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;PAKON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:028201/0420 Effective date: 20120215 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT, MINNESOTA Free format text: PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;PAKON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:030122/0235 Effective date: 20130322 Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS AGENT, Free format text: PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;PAKON, INC.;REEL/FRAME:030122/0235 Effective date: 20130322 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA N.A., AS AGENT, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL);ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD.;FPC INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:031162/0117 Effective date: 20130903 Owner name: BARCLAYS BANK PLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (SECOND LIEN);ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD.;FPC INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:031159/0001 Effective date: 20130903 Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE, DELAWARE Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (FIRST LIEN);ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD.;FPC INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:031158/0001 Effective date: 20130903 Owner name: PAKON, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., AS SENIOR DIP AGENT;WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS JUNIOR DIP AGENT;REEL/FRAME:031157/0451 Effective date: 20130903 Owner name: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE, DELA Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (FIRST LIEN);ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD.;FPC INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:031158/0001 Effective date: 20130903 Owner name: BARCLAYS BANK PLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, NEW YO Free format text: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT (SECOND LIEN);ASSIGNORS:EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY;FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD.;FPC INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:031159/0001 Effective date: 20130903 Owner name: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNORS:CITICORP NORTH AMERICA, INC., AS SENIOR DIP AGENT;WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS JUNIOR DIP AGENT;REEL/FRAME:031157/0451 Effective date: 20130903 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: KODAK PHILIPPINES, LTD., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: KODAK AMERICAS, LTD., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: NPEC, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: FPC, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: PAKON, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: LASER PACIFIC MEDIA CORPORATION, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: KODAK PORTUGUESA LIMITED, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: KODAK (NEAR EAST), INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: KODAK REALTY, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: KODAK IMAGING NETWORK, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: QUALEX, INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: KODAK AVIATION LEASING LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 Owner name: CREO MANUFACTURING AMERICA LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:049814/0001 Effective date: 20190617 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: QUALEX INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: KODAK REALTY INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT LTD., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: KODAK (NEAR EAST) INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: FPC INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: NPEC INC., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: KODAK AMERICAS LTD., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: KODAK PHILIPPINES LTD., NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 Owner name: LASER PACIFIC MEDIA CORPORATION, NEW YORK Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:052773/0001 Effective date: 20170202 |